EODP – Eastern Ontario Development Program
The Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP) is a Government of Canada initiative that promotes rural socio-economic development in Eastern Ontario, leading to a more competitive and diversified regional economy, and contributing to the successful development of businesses, job opportunities and sustainable, self-reliant communities. The fund supports community capacity building, business development, skills development, retention and attraction of youth, and access to capital. EODP funding is shared equally and delivered by 15 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) in Eastern Ontario. In 2010, total program funding is $10 million. In Lanark County & North Leeds, the fund is administered by Valley Heartland CFDC.
EODP Success Stories Booklet 2004-2009  Applying for the Programs:
Valley Heartland is currently accepting applications for the funding period commencing April 1, 2010. Please note that each program is time-sensitive and has an application deadline. Because of the high demand that we expect for all programs, you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. However, before applying for any of the programs, please contact the respective program coordinator for more information.
EODP Program Overview Community Development Fund
Local Initiatives Projects are intended to support “community economic development” that is incremental and made in partnership with local Municipalities, or not for profit organizations that strive to enhance the economic development efforts of the municipality. Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to community strategic planning, tourism events, marketing or promotional events. Community Capacity Building Projects are intended to strengthen communities by supporting projects that are incremental, address local needs and priorities which result in long term benefits including job creation, economic diversification, and enhanced business competitiveness. Projects must demonstrate significant direct or indirect impact on the enhancement of local business and/or the community as a whole. Applicants must demonstrate support from partners in the private sector, community organizations, municipalities, and/or the provincial government.
Business & Skills Development Fund
Business Planning Projects will assist entrepreneurs who require a full and properly developed business, export and/or marketing plan in order to ensure all aspects of the business proposal have been properly investigated, issues understood and potential problems considered. Skills Development Projects will assist and encourage training of employees of for-profit businesses to enhance the skills set of those employees, provide transferable skills to the employees, and contribute to the overall strength of the work force capabilities of the area. The eligible activities for the program include on-the-job or classroom; in house or out sourced training, new or existing employees. Youth Internship Projects provides recent post-secondary graduates with valuable skills from full-time work experience in business and economic development with the objective of leading to longer term employment in Eastern Ontario. Preference will be given to graduates in fields of economics/business development, telecommunications, sciences and technology. Innovation & Information Communications Technology Projects will assist and encourage innovation and technology initiatives which enhance business development opportunities in the knowledge based economy. Eligible for assistance are non-profit organizations, legal commercial entities including individuals, corporations, partnerships, co-operatives or trusts, and; and, groups or alliances of those described above where a lead recipient has been identified. Access to Capital FundFacade Improvement Loans are non-interest bearing and designed to assist and encourage facade improvements of business in and around downtown areas, but will also consider assistance to retail and tourism business outside the downtown. Retrofit Loans are non-interest bearing and designed to offset some of the costs associated with the retrofit of vacant or under-utilized commercial, industrial or retail lands and properties to make them more appealing to businesses and customers.
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